Firefly program slated May 11 in Clarion

CLARION – Seneca Rocks Audubon Society will sponsor a program titled “Summer’s Dazzling Gift” on fireflies at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the Clarion Free Library.

The program will be presented by Peggy Butler from the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival. The evening will be an informative and fun look at a favorite childhood pastime of watching and catching fireflies. Butler and her husband Ken are the owners of the Black Caddis Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Kellettville, Forest County. Butler will share information about how they came to learn about the different firefly species in the Allegheny National Forest and how they helped to develop the annual PA Firefly Festival that celebrates fireflies and educates hundreds of visitors each year.

Among the more than 15 different species of fireflies identified in the Allegheny National Forest area is the rare and unique “Synchronous” firefly. This variety of firefly is especially attractive to eco-tourists and the scientific community alike.

Audience members will learn about these amazing creatures’ life-cycle, how to best observe and identify them, locate and conserve their habitat. Information will also be provided on how to join the Pennsylvania Firefly Festival and become a volunteer citizen scientist, firefly monitor or interpretive guide.

Seneca Rocks Audubon Society meetings are held in the lower level of the Clarion Free Library. The programs are free and open to the public.